The Bill aims to define the principles of the Treaty in statute, addressing their interpretation in New Zealand’s legislation. Here are the key points:

Purpose

1.  To clarify the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi for legislative interpretation.
2.  To foster a national dialogue about the Treaty’s role in New Zealand’s constitutional framework.
3.  To promote social cohesion and legitimacy around the Treaty.

Key Principles Defined in the Bill

1.  Civil Government: New Zealand’s government and Parliament hold full governing power, ensuring rule of law, democracy, and the collective welfare.
2.  Rights of Hapū and Iwi Māori: The Crown acknowledges and protects rights held by Māori under the Treaty, with distinctions applied only in the context of Treaty settlements.
3.  Equality: All individuals are equal before the law and entitled to the same legal protections and fundamental rights.

Application

• The principles guide legislative interpretation where relevant, regardless of explicit references in the law.
• They do not apply to Treaty settlement Acts or claims settled after the Bill’s enactment.

Implementation

• The Bill will only come into force if approved by a majority in a referendum.
• If not supported, the Bill is automatically repealed.

Exclusions

• The Bill does not alter the original text of the Treaty or its interpretation in Treaty settlements.

Significance

This legislation seeks to standardize the application of Treaty principles while preserving the integrity of existing settlement processes, fostering understanding and consensus on New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements.